Continuous rains trigger flood scare in Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 3: Incessant rains pushed Srinagar on the edge of a flood-like situation, with river Jhelum river crossing the danger mark and overflowing in low-lying areas.
On Wednesday morning, several low-lying areas of the summer capital reported waterlogging as floodwaters submerged several residential localities.
One of the worst-affected zones was Tailbal on the outskirts of Srinagar, where locals said that fast-flowing water from the main Tailbal stream entered Khwaja Bagh, Kashipora and adjoining localities. Residents said the situation unfolded early in the morning, which forced them to scramble for safety.
“We had to rush out, shift our goods to upper floors, and in some cases even evacuate. The water entered homes so suddenly that people panicked. Nobody expected the stream to swell so quickly,” said a group of anxious residents in Khwaja Bagh.
The main Tailbal road connecting Hazratbal with Shalimar also went under water, hindering movement of commuters.
“It took me over an hour just to cross a short stretch of the road. Vehicles were stranded and people had no clue where to move,” said Arif Ahmad, a commuter.
Meanwhile in uptown areas, the flood channel near Peerbagh and Rawalpora witnessed breaches, allowing water to seep into residential areas. At Doodhganga, locals were seen voluntarily reinforcing flood embankments with sandbags in a desperate bid to prevent overflow.
“The administration already has a lot on its plate, but we as citizens can’t sit idle. It is better to step in, help one another, and prepare responsibly rather than wait for disaster,” said, a volunteer placing sandbags.
Meanwhile, the flood spill channel also submerged parts of the Humhama–Rawalpora road stretch. Local residents said the uncertainty was unnerving them.
“People here are in panic. Many of us are mentally prepared to evacuate at any moment. We have children, elderly, and patients at home, which makes the situation worse. The government must ensure all possible assistance to families caught in this mess,” said, a resident of Rawalpora.
Meanwhile, with the Jhelum water level rising steadily, authorities closed the Barzulla bridge as a precautionary measure.
Witnesses said that despite repeated warnings, people were seen crowding near water bodies, causing concern. “Instead of gathering and making a spectacle of the crisis, people should focus on taking safety steps for their families. This is not the time for carelessness,” said Bilal Ahmad, a local.
The Srinagar administration also issued a fresh weather advisory urging people living along the banks of the Jhelum, tributaries, flood spill channels, and nallahs to stay away from water bodies. Officials said that tourists, shikarawallas, and sand miners have been strictly told not to venture out without verifying conditions. “Citizens have also been advised to contact the District Emergency Operation Centre, ERSS Srinagar, or Police Control Room for assistance,” said an official.
